Abstract Detail

Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)

Conway, Stephanie [1], Di Stilio, Verónica S. [2].

An ontogenetic framework for functional studies in the model fern Ceratopteris richardii.

Ferns are an important lineage of land plants, made valuable by their phylogenetic placement as sister to the seed plants as well as their life cycle with independent haploid gametophytic and diploid sporophytic generations. Ceratopteris richardii has long been proposed as a model fern and has recently become tractable due to advances in stable, high-efficiency transgenic systems. C. richardii is therefore poised to become a highly valuable model system, allowing researchers to ask explicit questions about gene function in a fern for the first time. In order to make detailed assessments and interpretations of altered phenotypes resulting from genetic manipulations, a thorough understanding of the wild type morphology and a staged ontogeny are necessary. This will facilitate not only studies on candidate genes in C. richardii, but also broader comparative evaluations of ontogenies and key plant traits in other model plants. This paper describes the key stages of development in both the haploid gametophytic and diploid sporophytic generations, with an emphasis on the shoot apical meristem and early leaf development. The results presented here are aimed at providing a baseline ontogeny for a model fern and a useful tool for comparative evolution and development (evo-devo) studies of key innovations in land plants.

1 - The University Of Washington, Department Of Biology, Hitchcock Hall 506, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States
2 - University Of Washington, Depaartment Of Biology, Po Box 35180, Seattle, WA, 98195, United States

Keywords:
ferns
Ceratopteris
morphology
Model plant
development.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo)
Location: Grand Ballroom - Exhibit Hall/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PEV001
Abstract ID:301
Candidate for Awards:None